Deep diving – what is it like to swim among a pod of dolphins? 2021
Installation: Interactive animation, echolocation soundscape
Deep diving - what is it like to swim among a pod of dolphins? is a media art work by Leena Pukki and Karoliina Paappa that explores the senses of animals. The aim of the work is to transpose a dolphin experience into a form that is perceivable and understandable to the human viewer. Its an immersive art experience designed to enhance the experience of empathy.
The work is animated by Minna Salminen and implemented by Zach Laster. The sound design is done by Toni Teivaala.
In the art piece, the underwater landscape is depicted in accordance with the senses of dolphins. Dolphins only distinguish shades of blue and green, and their depth vision is weak. However, dolphins produce ultrasound, which allows them to obtain information about their environment. Whistles and clicks reveal information about distances and the composition of materials. Using sonar water and tissues appear relatively similar.
Because the dolphin is a mammal, its lungs are full of air. The air reflects sound differently than other underwater materials, so a surprising part of the dolphin stands out underwater - the lungs. According to researcher Helena Telkänranta, one could get close to the dolphin's world of experience by imagining the flock of lungs, from which the faint outline of a dolphin can be seen.
In the work, the viewer can echolocate the underwater landscape as well as hunt together with dolphins.
The animation is accompanied by an echolocation soundscape that can be felt physically in the body. The work seeks to transpose a dolphin’s experience into a form that is perceivable and understandable to a human viewer. It is an immersive art experience designed to enhance the experience of empathy.
The art piece is produced with support from the Promotion Centre for Audiovisual Culture (AVEK).
Inside Another Skin is an art project combining art and research which explores the perception of different animal species. During the project, various immersive works based on the senses of different animal species will be implemented.
The core of the project is to generate and reinforce the experience of compassion. In the project humans are thought of as one animal species whose characteristics are compared to those of other species. The project aims to strengthen opportunities for more respectful coexistence between different species and to broaden the understanding of nature, different species, and the environment.